Alcan Cable establishes new company in Mexico

ATLANTA, GA, Jan. 3 /PRNewswire/ - Alcan Cable, a business division of Rio Tinto, announced today the creation of a new legal entity for its cable operations in Mexico. Its decision to establish a separate corporation, known as Alcan Cable de México, reinforces Alcan Cable's continued commitment to the Mexico market and provides the company with greater flexibility to respond to the needs of its customers.

"The formation of Alcan Cable de México highlights our long term commitment to the Mexican market and positions us as an innovative and recognized leader in the aluminium electrical cable market in Mexico," said Jack Miller, President, Alcan Cable.

"The creation of a corporate presence in Mexico will allow us to expand our sales and technical support to the major metropolitan areas of Guadalajara, Monterrey and DF and facilitate business transactions in the local currency," said Claudia Day, Vice President, Distribution, Alcan Cable.

Alcan Cable entered the Mexican market in 1995 and was the first company to introduce 8000 Series aluminium alloy Type MC (Metal Clad) cable and low smoke, single conductor aluminium alloy feeder cable, XHHW-2 LS. The company's STABILOY® brand of aluminium alloy cables has become the standard for commercial, institutional and industrial building applications in Mexico.

Alcan Cable de México's corporate office is located in Monterrey. The company utilizes a network of electrical distributors to sell its products throughout Mexico.

Recognized as the only fully integrated aluminium cable supplier in North America, Alcan Cable has provided its customers with quality products and outstanding customer service for over 100 years. With its headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, Alcan Cable is a leading manufacturer of aluminium cable and aluminium rod and strip products, and has five manufacturing operations - four in North America and one in China.

About Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group headquartered in the UK, combining Rio Tinto plc, a London and NYSE listed company, and Rio Tinto Limited, which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.

Rio Tinto's business is finding, mining, and processing mineral resources. Major products are aluminium, copper, diamonds, energy (coal and uranium), gold, industrial minerals (borax, titanium dioxide, salt, talc) and iron ore. Activities span the world but are strongly represented in Australia and North America with significant businesses in South America, Asia, Europe and southern Africa.